RACE START: Leclerc holds onto race lead as Norris loses out on opening lap of Hungarian GP

After claiming a shock pole position in Hungary, Charles Leclerc made the most of it to keep the rapid McLarens of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris behind him on the first lap.

Aug 03, 2025 1:17pm UTC

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc got the perfect start from pole position at the Hungaroring as he fended off both McLaren drivers to maintain the lead of the race.

The Monegasque executed a good launch at lights out, but Lando Norris looked even stronger back in P3, quickly challenging his team mate Oscar Piastri for second position. However, he was unable to pass and instead lost two places to Mercedes’ George Russell and a charging Fernando Alonso.

As Leclerc extended his lead at the front of the field, Kick Sauber rookie Gabriel Bortoleto passed the second Aston Martin of Lance Stroll to improve to P6. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen was unable to improve from his Qualifying position of eighth on the opening lap.

Click go on the video above to watch the start of the Hungarian Grand Prix.

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